Like one of the best parks ever 😍🥳🤘 Me and my three daughters always stop in for park play when traveling down from Auckland too catch the ferry too Picton or when getting off the boat too travel back home, I always say that I wish they had this park in Auckland lol it's beautiful, colorful, so many options and there's separate age group objects suitable for the babies and ages going up 😊 the entire park is amazing, it's drawing and the primary too intermediate age group objects are super cool too

Amazing place withs lots of play options for all ages . This have picnic area dog are and community kitchen . We had amazing day here today . Thanks

Great place to stop during road trips. Kids get to stretch their legs, play basketball, swings, slides, you name it, they have it. Adults can purchase coffee (ice coffee was amazing) Toilets lovely and clean.

Great place for a picnic for families, kids and dogs.All are fenced and can be freed with hands.

Excellent for a stop off for the kids. Easy parking and open the back doors and watch that pent uo energy get quickly spent. Get em to run when they pull up the flying fox to the start, thatll wear em out for the next leg of your trip!!

Great for kids playground and can book for birthdays with toilet facilities. Have events for family in the weekend with plenty of space and korhanga. Shopping across the road in the main street. Pity the small 🚂 rides weren't working.

Using Google Maps to remember my home town 20 years ago as a child, as a Brit, who eventually went back. The adventure park was brilliant then and is more or less the same as it is now. Epic way for a kid to grow up, I can confirm the memory stays with you forever.

An 11 out 0f 10 experience! a must if you are ever in or passing Shannon. The glow worms are awesome and fascinating. Ross and his staff have really out done themselves A+

Exceeded expectations. I expected a small place but there was enough to do and see to occupy a few hours. Good variety of animals and perfect for families with young children

It was way too expensive for what it has to offer. The guide tour is short and shows only plants and a few owls. The picnic area was nice. There's a pony, peacocks and guinea pigs.

We are new to this area so going to owlcatraz was such a great experience was a little different to most animal attraction getting greating by staff but all in all was really good tour guides were fantastic great for the children as my nephew loved the fact he could fead the animals 👍

Fantastic place with plenty to see. All the animals are friendly including the eels. Staff are amazing and do the group tours professionally and are amazing with the children. Certainly recommend the guided tour, even with children. It is great value for money.

Amazing, friendly staff. Janette and her staff offer a fantastic opportunity of a life time which is to be able to walk through the Ruru (Morepork) enclosure with nothing between you and the magnificent birds. The Farm yard friends are so cute. Thanks again 🙂

Fabulous service, wonderful people and very interesting facts and stories on the tour. Recommend!

I go there so many times! It’s perfect for picnics. The flowers in spring and summer are so colourful. It brings me a peace of mind! If you take your time to carefully explore the park, you will love it even more. I’d definitely recommend you going there on a nice sunny day for a stroll. There’s also a cafe! Many sitting areas and birds enclosures.

Kids and I had so much fun. We went on the train ride. Visited the well manicured Rose garden. The place was absolutely clean, people were friendly. So much to do at 1 spot. We loved it. Well maintained playground.

Fantastic park worth while going to . Also great train ride adults and children going through Bush

There's something for everyone here from train rides, nature walk trails, river walkway, beautiful botanical garden, bird sanctuary, birdwatching, picnic spots, lots of shady trees, mini golf and playground. This place is great if you are planning to spend a couple of hours outdoors.

I have visited the Esplanade countless times over the years whenever I am in Palmerston North. This beautiful park has such a variety of trees, flowers, plants and native bush. It’s an absolute delight to stroll along its many pathways and the close proximity to the river only adds to the appeal. Palmy residents and visitors are so fortunate to this beautiful peaceful facility to enjoy at any time of year. 😍

Good quality park. Well maintained. Great for a light walk with your dog.

Worth a stop and wander. Great work from gardening maintenance team at Palmerston North District Council. Wildbase recovery and avairies are a treat to see for free. I enjoyed using my Photography skills for Birds at Wildbase recovery. #palmyproud

Really nice venue with lots of grassed areas and shade on a hot day. The iconic Tui tower is looking in dire need of some TLC before it gets condemned. Food was a bit average which is a shame because it's a great spot to visit.

We had a great lunch with friends last weekend. The pub and get quite busy however we were able to get a table upstairs immediately. It’s nice and quiet up there - perfect for catching up. The food was very good - we had two steak sammies, lamb roll, steak and chicken burgers and a chicken salad - almost one of everything on the menu! Service was excellent, with not too much of a wait and the tap beers very good. Being Tui, there are all manner of quirky things on the walls and tucked into corners.

Visited the Flagon Room function venue as part of a large rail excursion group. Front-of-house team worked really hard to cater for a larger group than expected: their efforts are the reason for the second star. Perhaps better event management would have prevented the last-minute surprise. Around 250-ish people waited in a very slow queue to choose from a single buffet table with one platter/bowl of each dish. Food was listed as 'Kiwiana gourmet'. I'm told the prawn-and-ginger dumplings were mid at best. Nowhere were we asked about dietary needs or allergies. If one of the staff hadn't offered to get the kitchen to prepare me a serve of a different meat, my $45 ticket would seen me eating boiled potatoes and steamed vegies. That extra arrived promptly, and was tender and tasty, but wasn't fully heated through. My double-serve of boiled vegies were cooked to my liking, but very plain & others in our group found them under-done. The aioli zhushed them up nicely, but couldn't disguise how dry and pasty the potato was. It was clear a second serving wasn't on offer. The other annoyance was the 'free drink' included in the ticket price: the only non-alc option was Coke. I had to pay for a lemonade. Colour me unimpressed. Friendly, professional and hard-working staff hampered by lousy management and business planning. Definitely not worth what we paid for.

Friendly staff, good choice if seating indoors and out. Well priced tap beer. Pulled pork pizza and fried chicken were quick to be served and good, tasty accompaniments with the beer

A great cafe in an amazing location. Lovely food and the most beautiful surroundings and atmosphere you could wish for. Indoor and outdoor dining.

We spent a Friday evening here and loved it. I think their double cheeseburger is THE PERFECT burger, all great flavours and well put together, not messy! Amazing hospitality from Tayla, the ultimate bar manager with a wealth of information about the Tui Brewery. She is a national treasure! Really enjoyed the museum, hilarious history (and stretched-truths)! I'd love to come back and spend an afternoon out in the huge beer garden. Things have wound down a bit since the epic marketing campaign of the 2000s but Tui HQ is definitely worth visiting, a really special spot.

Can’t miss this classic brewery if you’re in the area! The food is great and the brewery tour is everything you want it to be. Nice garden to walk around with games to play and fun decor in general. If you have the kids with you maybe skip the tour but lots of space for them to run around outside while you’re having a pint. The store is pretty pricey but has some unique stuff.

This place is absolutely fantastic! One of my favorite features is the playground, which is filled with colorful equipment and fun structures. However, it's a bit disappointing that it's designed specifically for younger children—if I could, I would be playing in the dark room and building a brick wall right now! I understand the need for age restrictions to keep the little ones safe and happy, but it still feels a bit limiting. Despite that, the overall atmosphere of the area is vibrant and welcoming, making it a wonderful spot to visit and enjoy the surroundings.

The art museum wasn't exhibiting big collections when I visited, but it was well curated and inspiring Free entrance, quiet during weekday morning. Highly recommended.

What an eye-opening experience! I learned much about NZ bird populations along with the long-finned eels. I love the diligent work to restore the kiwi! Thank you.

Wonderful amazing place kids loved it were visiting palmerston north was a great edition to just shopping

Great place to take kids, interactive and the playground at end is great. Our kids enjoy stopping here

Excellent (free admission) museum with natural history, educational and outdoor displays worth an explore. Upstairs has the Rugby Museum (paid admission), and special exhibitions. Additionally, there is an art gallery with special exhibitions that change seasonally.

Te Manawa (Māori: The Heart) is a museum, art gallery and science centre in Palmerston North, New Zealand. It is operated by the Te Manawa Museums Trust, a charitable trust incorporated on 20 August 1999. From that date, the Trust assumed responsibility for art works and heritage assets transferred to its care but held on behalf of others.

Awesome museum run by a lovely man who loves a good yarn! So much history and knowledge in one place, along with a rugby simulation area. Top notch, would recommend

Incredible collection of historic artefacts associated with the inception of NZ rugby and the evolution of their team over time! Really well displayed in chronological order with detailed descriptions. Would have preferred more variety of items in their gift shop, but that does not take away from an excellent museum and a must visit for any rugby fan!

Expected more. Displays were good, but not enough room to show anything from 2011 on. Was confusing as to where the Rugby Museum was as another museum in the same building.

Where do you go when on a rugby tour? Why the NZ Rugby Museum. Very quaint and educational. I thought I would have been bigger as well as at larger city considering its New Zealand’s Top Sport.

Located Palmerston North. Open 10am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Adults $15 child $6 , card and cash payment ( no pay wave)(Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day, Good Friday) The New Zealand Rugby Museum contains New Zealand's biggest and most comprehensive collection of rugby memorabilia and records, including some of the world's rarest rugby artefacts. Test out your rugby skills - kicking, tackling, leaping, sprinting and pushing - in the 'Have a Go' area.

Amazing museum, endless information and unique memorabilia. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate it's infectious. We really enjoyed our time there.

Love Rugby 🏉 or not, it's a must see. No Springboks Rugby jersey to see, though. Love Rugby, have to see it!

Such a lovely place to see all the wonderful things that have been created over the years for the enjoyment of children. We have been 3 years in a row now its so great. The photos with Santa is a Christmas tradition now.

An outstanding visit for young and old . We have taken many of our grandchildren there over the years. A hidden treasure to rival big city efforts .

This place was awesome....run by volunteers....reasonably priced. However lots of steps. Can't wait to take more grandchildren!

It's always a pleasure visiting fantasy cave every year for our family photo with Santa. The staff are wonderful and the kids love them because they are so friendly.

Have never really stopped in town but decided to visit every shop Up one side of the street down the other Enjoyed every minute took about 2 hours Would recommend a visit Friendly chatty shop assistants Great day

Well organized, easy to find, the dogs liked it, the people really knew what they were doing. Good simple facilities.

Great visit for all age groups. Santa gave me a lollie bag even though I am half a century old.

Spent 2 days and nights here March 2025 and did 2 Burn the Breeze horseback rides for experienced riders. The accommodations were clean and comfortable and along the river. The meals provided were varied and home cooked with produce grown on the premises and were quite delicious. The staff was friendly and helpful and went out of their way to make our stay enjoyable. Our horseback rides were great fun and the horses were wonderful, well trained and responsive. It was a learning experience to ride using Natural Horsemanship and ride without bridles and bits. Miss T was a joy to ride and did many lopes through gorgeous scenery.

Our stay was amazing. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. The food was awesome. The scenic rafting tour was beautiful, and our guides, Finn and Tom, were great.

Accommodating is an understatement! We booked a family river rafting cruise, however with me being 20 weeks pregnant at the time, the lodge informed us that per the NZ law I am not allowed to get on a raft, however they immediately had alternative activity options lined up for us and we chose a tour around the neighbouring landscape with e-bikes. What a blast! And this is saying a lot as we had our 3-year old with us which the staff made an effort to accommodate with a toddler bike seat and toddler helmet. They also packed us a lovely picnic to have halfway through our journey. Overall the staff were friendly and accommodating from the minute we arrived and entertained all our toddlers questions and comments :). It is quite the drive to get to the lodge but the views are worth it and the sound of the nearby waterfall makes it feel even more special. Husband and toddler also enjoyed use of the hot tub which had a view of the river. The accommodation is backpacker style but there are options for those (like us) wanting an en-suite bathroom. The bedding is also hotel quality and incredibly comfy. We were there in Autumn so it was cool but heating in the room is sufficient. Definitely a place for nature lovers and people who like to socialise. The restaurant is so cozy. I read about the amazing food that Miranda whips up but I was still blown away. There was plenty of food at dinner and breakfast time and it was super delicious. So definitely something for those that like more luxury than pure backpacker life. There is a communal kitchen if you want to cater for yourself. We didn't use it but seemed clean and tidy. We will be back again when my parents visit from overseas!

This was a delightful place to stay. The food was absolutely amazing. The best vegetables I have ever had. We went for the rafting experience. It was a great adventure. Hazel made the experience so much better! She was funny, very experienced and we always felt safe. Wonderful place!!

Best service, friendliest, most welcoming hosts & staff, and amazing food anywhere. A beautiful natural spot by the Rangitikei River too!!

We want to go back!😍 We experienced the most tranquil and stress free stay. The Valley is both picturesque and breaktaking, the food was 'to die for' and the staff go above and beyond to cater to your needs. I highly recommend adding this stay to your travel itinerary. Thanks again Janey and staff. We will definitely be back for a longer stay in the future! Cam and Chris.

An amazing authentic country lodge with outdoor activities - we had an incredible time whitewater rafting and also horse riding around the beautiful landscape. The food is mostly homegrown and the dinner we had was the best food we had in our stay in NZ. The lamb shank and creamy mash with fresh raspberry crumble was divine. Janey and her team provide a bespoke service and tailor your stay to your wishes. Cannot recommend enough!

We did the Mangapurua Bridge to Nowhere track. Booking and payment was super easy. Briefing was perfect and all the drop offs and pick ups were well communicated and happened as expected. A really well run operation that made for a great weekend away.

So well organised and nothing was left to chance. So pleased we booked with Ben Rebecca and team. Thanks so much for an amazing time on the Bridge to Nowhere track and Wanganui River

Four days riding mountain to sea. Fantastic trip. Well organised by Ben and Rebecca and we were well informed on the way. Accomodation and the food was excellent and everyone we dealt with welcoming and friendly. Would definitely recommend this to others. Our only disappointment was the bridge to nowhere track being closed but Ben had some great options for us. Also meant we spent longer on the jet boat!

Big thanks to Ben and his team for a thoroughly enjoyoble Mountains to Sea five day bike ride. All eight of our crusty old guys made it and had a great time. The accomodation and meals were really good and highlights were the Mangaparua single track sections and incredible scenery. The jet boat rides, canoe paddle and paddle steamer all added to the variety. Top job Mtn Bike Station!

A group of 6 of us did the 4 day mountain to sea trail with 2 sections of canoeing. The organisation, support, briefings, communication prior and ability to tailor the trip to our requirements was outstanding. Mike, Steph and Jeremy were fabulous, so welcoming and helpful. The trail was amazing, day 2 was the highlight and that night a stay at the wonderful Bridge to Nowhere Lodge was special.

We booked a 3 day budget Mountains to Sea trip before leaving UK and we're not disappointed. The service and support provided by Mike and his team met all our expectations. Good quality and we'll maintained bikes gave us no problems and the self catering accommodation was good, with hot showers and clean towels each night.

Fantastic trip - we did Mountains to sea in 2019, and loved it so much we came back for a second trip this year. Ben & team took such great care of us and highly recommend!!

We had a fantastic time at the NZ Army Museum with our family! The museum was well-managed, and although we were a bit late for the guided tour, the exhibits were still engaging. One suggestion for improvement could be offering discounted prices for visitors who miss the guided tour. Our kids thoroughly enjoyed wearing the uniform costumes and taking photos around the tanks – the setup outside was particularly impressive! The interactive elements and displays were great for families. Overall, a wonderful experience, and we'd definitely recommend it to others.

Made an impromptu visit to the museum without expecting much and it turned out to be a fruitful visit. The museum is a nice stopover between Whakapapa and Napier : there is a cafe and petrol station nearby. The museum itself presents a narrative of the NZ army and its history in context with world history with some highlights of its role in global conflicts abroad such as the two World Wars and modern wars. There are plenty of exhibits and dioramas presented throughout and the guides were engaging. There are some hardware within the museum and outside for some photo opportunities as well.

We’ve been past this place numerous times but was always in a rush and often just a quick stop to the gift shop, cafe or toilet break. Made an effort to venture into the museum and it was simply an eye opener. Lots of history of the different wars that took place including some original items during that era. Great place for the kids as well to soak in all the knowledge and nothing gruesome so perfect for all ages. Lots of parking available at the rear and some at the front. Cool little gift shop and a very well equipped cafe for a quick feed and drink. There are display of tanks etc outside where the kids can climb and take pics.

Bought a smelly balls from here. It is a very nice and well-kept place to learn about New Zealand’s soldiers and history. The displays are easy to follow and show real stories, medals, and uniforms. The memorial wall is touching and makes you stop and think. There is also a café and a shop inside, which is handy if you are on a long drive. The place feels peaceful and respectful, and it is good for families, kids, and visitors of all ages. A great stop if you are passing through Waiouru.

Love this place, stope here on the way back to Wellington every couple of months. Love the history of NZ's military. Well laid out, lots of interesting things to see. Great area for the kids to dress up and play. Cafe is great and its a great stop traveling north or south. Staff are great and the tickets are reasonably priced.

Amazing history with beautiful and compelling displays. Second time visitor (first time was early 2000s, has been upgraded since then). Busy cafe, nice little gift shop, and facilities are clean.

A fantastic place to learn about New Zealand's military history, from its early days as a colonial outpost right up to present-day conflicts. ​Inside, you'll find impressive dioramas and a great collection of military hardware. Don't forget to take a walk around the grounds outside, where you can see some of the larger tanks on display. ​When you're ready for a break, the cafe offers a delicious selection of baked goods, and the gift shop has some excellent souvenirs to remember your visit by. Overall, it's a great place to visit. History buffs (like myself) could easily spend the entire day here, getting lost in the detailed accounts.

I am not a skier but members of my family are, Turoa can be a bit of a lottery according to them; sometimes there is snow, sometimes not and sometimes it can be quite icy. The general facilities are nothing special but not bad either with relatively simple cafeteria food at the base of the slopes. The slopes themselves, when the snowfall is decent allow for decent skiing.

We went here July 12 and they were close. We were still able to play with the snow! thank you for the free experience.❤️ We will definitely go back here

Not the best weather today but kids still had fun on the sleds, big thanks Herne (from Taranaki) for your excellent service at the sledding slope.

Amazing experience as a first timer! Cafes and facilities are great.

Beautiful place to visit with family especially during the winter snow season

A huge disappointment. We usually visit Whakapapa but decided to try Turoa this time, and the sledding was a letdown. The slope was too shallow, so you kept getting stuck, and there was no magic carpet (the conveyor belt lift) to take you back, so you had to walk the entire way, dragging the sled each time.

Had a lovely meal upstairs at Freddie’s cafe the other day. Took my young children skiing up the lifts and they’ve done a fantastic job pushing the snow to form tracks. A shame the weather isn’t playing ball but we had a great time regardless.

**Mount Ruapehu and Sky Waka: A Journey Above the Clouds** Mount Ruapehu, located in Tongariro National Park, is one of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring natural landmarks. As the country’s largest active volcano, it offers visitors a unique blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural significance. One of the best ways to experience this majestic peak is through the Sky Waka gondola, a world-class attraction that provides a breathtaking journey above the rugged alpine terrain. The Sky Waka, operating year-round, ascends high above the volcanic slopes, offering panoramic views of cascading waterfalls, ancient lava flows, and the sweeping expanse of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gondola’s large, comfortable cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows make it easy to immerse yourself in the surrounding beauty, no matter the season. In winter, the gondola transports visitors to Whakapapa Ski Area, New Zealand’s premier skiing destination, while in summer, it provides access to hiking trails and the chance to explore the mountain’s unique volcanic features. At the summit, visitors can enjoy a meal or hot drink at the Knoll Ridge Chalet, one of the highest cafes in the country, while taking in the dramatic alpine views. Adding to the experience, the staff at Mount Ruapehu and Sky Waka are known for their warmth and hospitality. They ensure a seamless and enjoyable adventure, sharing insights about the mountain’s geology, Māori cultural heritage, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Mount Ruapehu and the Sky Waka gondola offer an unforgettable journey into the heart of New Zealand’s volcanic wonderland.

First climb Mt Ruapehu (2797 m) in winter, from the southern side (Toroa Ski Field). It was harder than I thought. The last 600 m is very steep, and the average slope angle is larger than 40 degrees. You must be fully equipped. When taking photos, you should be very careful as nowhere is flat (you must stick your ice axe deeply into snow and ice, use it as a post to stop your feet sliding). Unfortunately, I lost my phone near the peak somewhere.

The highest mountain on north island in NZ. Definitely a must visit as it is the spot for mort tourists. It's about 5 hours drive from Auckland. Make sure to travel on a sunny day to get the best views at the Peak. We visited the skiing section of the mountain. There are charges if you would like to go higher up the mountain for skiing or site seeing.

Always eager to see how much snow is on the mountain when we head past every month or so. The Desert Rd is straight in places & windy in others. Don't speed, you will more than likely get a ticket if you go over 100kph in a vehicle (90kph if you are towing something). First views of Ruapehu are when you head north from Taihape.

Even out of season it is worth going up the mountain for the views. I was in luck in that there had been an early snow storm the previous week, so even though it is May, and everything is shut up the mountain (Sky-Waka Gondola was shut on 26th April, to re-open Kings Birthday - maintenance etc - would have loved to of gone up), there was fresh snow up at the base, so my daughter who had not been to snow for 13 years could enjoy the experience. In season parking can be hard to find (have been up other times), and if conditions are bad it is 4x4 or with chains - or of course it can even be closed. Road conditions are posted on-line on the websites, and on Met Service - weather, when clicking on mountains, and Whakapapa Ski Field - it shows mountain conditions, road conditions etc. Useful to check, as the road had been closed just days before I went up. In season there is skiing of course, food and other services. Enjoy.

Worth the trip up to Whakapapa ski field for the views alone, some great walks along the way. Halfway between the village and ski field there is a large vehicle pull over area you ca get some great pics.

You will fall in love with this place...just amazing views 😍 ❤️ ♥️ ✨️

Hi! Had an amazing time with Adrift today! Thanks for having me! Our group was led by Stew and Kenny. It was very comforting to have both in our group as you could tell safety was always first and everything else was a close second. Kenny brought so much of his upbringing, culture and knowledge into the tour from beginning to end and you could tell he was extremely skilled at his craft and brought a lot of good energy wisdom and talent to the trek. Was so glad to be a part of his group. Stew was awesome as well — being a quiet yet essential group leader also, scouting and breaking trail ahead. Safety was always first and everything else was a close second. Everything else being fun, friendship, fellowship, and the freedom of the hills. I highly recommend Adrift without reservation. Thank you again and take care! Kia ora.

We had an incredible day hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with ADrift. Our guide, Kenni, was awesome, highly professional, and provided all kinds of insights, not only about the area we were walking through but also about Māori customs and culture. Stewart was also fabulous!! We were also lucky with the weather: ideal temperature, barely any clouds, and a glorious sunny day. Without a doubt, ADrift is a very professional company and one we would highly recommend.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is absolutely breathtaking, and doing it with Adrift made it even better. Our guide Kenny was incredible — not only a skilled tour guide but also one of two Māori park rangers. His deep knowledge of the land, stories about its cultural significance, and respect for the environment added a layer of meaning that made the hike truly special. Kenny kept us safe, supported, and inspired the whole way, while still making the day fun and memorable. From emerald lakes to volcanic craters, the views were unreal — and having a guide who connected us to both the landscape and its heritage was priceless. If you’re thinking of hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, I can’t recommend Adrift enough. And if you get Kenny as your guide, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.

Had a wonderful time hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and our guides (Kenny and Matt) were super supportive and provided lots of information and history on the area. As someone who has had experience hiking, I would recommend going with the guides as they will be able to direct anyone through the unpredictable weather conditions!

We were so happy to do the crossing on 15-10 with Adrift! If we would have done it ourselves (we doubded if we should) we wouldn't have made it over, cause of the quick changing weather at the moment. Even though we had a nice day (it was a window in time, cause it rained for 6 weeks), we got caught in a blizzard, but guides Kenny and Ty professionally led us through. There was still some snow on the track, which they provided gear for but we didn't end up using. Would definitely recommend to book with them! Unforgettable experience!

Awesome hike with a great guide. Though we didn’t need a guide to navigate the route, have a guide that could explain the culture significance and history made the day complete. The beauty of the hike is surreal.

Really glad we booked a tour through Adrift to do the Tongariro Crossing hike! The guides were super friendly, kept us on pace, gave tips for navigating different terrains, and shared neat stories and history of the landscapes. Highly recommend booking and buying the lunch as it makes the entire experience very convenient and the lunch is substantial with snacks to eat along the way.

A conversation with the Super helpful staff helped us make the best use of our time here. Tons of information on the history of the area presented in a museum like setting complete with a video presentation room. Clean, indoor toilet facilities. There is a large selection of topographical maps and literature available for purchase.

Friendly, helpful staff helped us plan the best day hikes in the park for the shifting weather conditions. Informative displays on the local wildlife and plants. Clean toilet facilities.

The visit centre have so many historic stories and they can give you so much help 👍

Easy to find and very nice personnel who helped us plan our hike for the day.

Amazing journey through beautiful landscapes all around us, and the destination being above all of them… that’s Ruapehu !

What a beautiful location and amazing visitors center, tons of helpful info for hikes and trails and volcanic information

The Staff at the centre are amazing! They gave solid advice for the northern circuit treck, after a days hiking in torrential rain & cold gale winds from waihohonu hut they gave me warmth & a place to change from my soggy mess. It was needed and appreciated, please don’t underestimate the weather. Seek advice. The centre is awesome, super informative with a lovely shop to buy some bits you may have forgot. Bravo 🙌 😘

We went on Sunday afternoon with a big group of 15. It was quiet which was nice, the museum and aquarium was cool. There is lots to see while you walk around

Set in lovely Native bush setting includes an easy bush walk with views of rainbow trout in their natural settings. Very helpful staff, although I didn't go into the centre ($22 an adult) due to time constraints. Car park is locked at 4.00

Did the kids fishing package-$60 which was good fun and they prepped and smoked the small fish the kids caught which was tasty. $22 entry fee per adult however which I find overpriced as there isn't a huge amount to do here unless your watching your kids fish. Friendly staff.

Tongariro National Trout Centre is a worthwhile stop, especially for families with kids. It is located 3 km from Turangi town centre along the Tongariro River. It could also be a refreshing stop for nature lovers and curious minds as well. It offers a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand’s freshwater ecology, with native fish displays and a well-curated aquarium featuring species like Giant Kokopu and Koaro. The hatchery tour and museum provide insight into the history of trout fishing in the region, making it both educational and engaging. Kids especially love the fishing pond, where they can catch and even smoke their own rainbow trout, an experience that’s both memorable and delicious. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and the riverside walk adds a peaceful touch to the visit.

The trout are numerous (like thousands!!). It's fun watching the kids fish and actually catch them with the instructors, natural setting, and BUY the fish food on entry. $5 per bag but what happens when you feed the wild trout is a lot of fun. We should have bought at least 3 bags (1 each). For fantastic photography and video, have one person feed the trout from the platform whilst another watches through underwater viewing area. They are HUGE and go crazy .... brilliant!!

Great place to bring the kids for a bit of education in aquatic life. It's not very big but you could easily spend an hour or so here. Highly recommend getting some fish feed - the trouts seem to love them. The aquarium section is small but filled with native fish which is nice to see. Definitely pay it a visit if you're around the area.

Went there for the school holiday program - fishing: from providing all the tools to smoking the fish for you It was great and the advice on fishing was easy to understand for kids. There were a few places to explore at the center as well. Would recommend spending 1-2 hours there

I always come here when need a hot soak whether In the in the public pool (with family and friends) or in the private pools (when i want to get away from crowds) I always enjoy swimming in the Tokaanu hot pools, they have pools of varying heat 🥵 from warm to scalding hot 🔥 for everyone.

The private pool here is an amazing experience of natural hot springs — as if the earth itself is whispering warmth into your skin, wrapping you in a quiet, blissful embrace. ❤️

Great walk around the thermal area before a soak in a private pool. The infrastructure is a little dated, and the stoney pathway into the main pool was a bit sharp on bare feet.

The worst hot pools in New Zealand 💩 We bought 4 tickets to the private pool and paid 56$ for a room with a small pool and no shower. The place clearly needs a cleanup - there were hair and dirt in the water, and overall the place didn’t look clean. The staff didn’t tell us how much time we have, and there were no signs (including in the private pool room) how much time you can spend in the private pool. No clocks either - you MUST feel the time I guess. The announcement about the timing was absolutely unclear - we couldn’t understand a word. And when we are about to leave, a very rude lady knocked at the door and yelled at us that we are 20 mins over our time, and that people are waiting (why she didn’t come early or when our time was up??? - I have no idea). She was SO UNPROFESSIONAL! She requested me to leave the room now (I was almost naked and covered only with a towel) and change in my clothes in the toilet. I was almost kicked out of the room. That was the most terrible service I have ever had in New Zealand. I don’t recommend this place and never want to visit it again.

Arrived 4pm on a cold, overcast Friday, paid for a private pool. The staff are friendly  polite, and there were quite a few people coming for a swim/soak. Reception area looks inviting, well kept, tidy and modern. Would be good if they are able to freshen up the private pools as paint is peeling, and mirror tarnished so not visually appealing. Having said that, the price is relevant to condition of the private pool. We really enjoyed our soak. 25 minutes was perfect. Thanks

A beautiful spot beside the river, surrounded by mud pools and hot springs. Extremely friendly people and beautiful private pools filled with water heated naturally underground. Be sure to check out the easy little walk around the mud pools next door, and stretch out after a private soak in the main public pool. It's a little slice of Aotearoa's own heaven

Lovely staff, clean private pool, and beautiful walk nearby. 20 minutes was plenty, and the staff gave us a reminder over the loud speaker so it was easy to know when our time was up.

Small apartment just a short walk from the town centre and right across from the lake. Parking is included in the accommodation price, literally right in front of the door. Clean and comfortable. Equipped with air conditioning and heating, as well as a cooktop for preparing meals or breakfast. Quite expensive (NZD 288), but we happened to be there at the end of July, coinciding with some local events.

Great stay!! Loved our room and the location is right next to the lake and city center. The room was nice and warm and the jet spa was sooo relaxing. Check in and out was a breeze and the fresh towels and clean room to come back to was so nice after a long day. Highly recommend will be booking again in the future 😁

My Husband and I stayed here for two nights during Kings birthday weekend. This location is great if you want to be close to town, everything is within walking distance, and a stroll along the lake front is recommended. Our room was ready before the check-in time and check-in was superfast. We were on the second floor and the view from our balcony, of the lake and mountains in the background, was beautiful. Parking was ample for our large vehicle (Ford Ranger) and nice and close to our room. The room was spacious and clean, very comfortable for us. The weather was a bit cool but the heat pump in the room warmed us up nicely. The shower was lovely and hot with great pressure. The beds were nice and comfortable too. Even though the location is close to town we barely noticed the noise. The only downside was that one of the vehicles in the parking area was broken into. There was no sign of tampering on our vehicle though. This is a fantastic motel and excellent location, we will definitely book here in the future.

We stayed in room 5. Loved how clean and tidy units are and nice to have fresh milk. Loved having a spa bath, shower head is very low but great water pressure. Again nice to have hairdryer and toiletries. Parking on site and just can't short walk to town. Would we come back....hell yes.

We had a great experience at the Great Lake Motel Taupo, with a location that cannot be beat. Easy walkable access to restaurants around, as well as the lake itself. The room was very clean, with a lovely (bubble) bath as well. The service and staff was excellent. The motel has its own parking as well, which is convenient as the area can get busy with people parking to go to the lake.

We have stayed here many times. Found it met all our needs. Change of management, and we felt like we were staying in a place we did not recognize. On going to our room upstairs, and looking toward the end of the walkway instead of a view of the lake, we were faced with a drying rack with work clothes on it. Our family room ( the only room available) was very basic and un loved. It needed care. Ants were evident. Tho' someone came and attended to them. The shower with a dome smelt so moldy that it made us gag when we used it. It needed a good clean. Went out for dinner and on returning faced with bras and pants drying on a chair by the stairs. It's such a shame as it used to be our fav place to stay as it is so close to restaurants and town.

Stayed recently for 2 nights - one at the beginning and at the end of the week, so had 2 different rooms. The first room had a quite uncomfortable bed however on the second night in a different room the bed was much improved. Pretty basic motel but very clean and tidy. Not enough power points for chargers though. No mention of continental breakfast as in our booking confirmation. Check out time was 10am but wifi turned off at 9am surprisingly. Can’t fault location. Very short walk to town.

This one of the many geothermal features in around Taupo. The walk around the park should take less than an hour and you can see multiple fumeroles and bubbling mud puddles. The path is well marked and of course you should obey the signage because there is a real danger of scalding or worse if you go into a dangerous area. The smell of sulphur is at times pretty strong but by the end you should be used to it!

Misplaced name unless the Moon is full of green shrubs. But an interesting stop. Seeing a lanscape with steam vents coming out of the ground and gurgling mud-pools. An easy 1hr walk around the park. At $10 certainly value for money.

Very well maintained site with friendly staff and cute little souvenir store. The main loop takes about 45mins. You could do the look out loop which will take you another 15min - this part is quite steep though. Definitely worth the visit. Entry is just $10 per adult.

You get to witness beautiful scenery at budget friendly price. The walk it about 45 minutes take you through steaming vent and resilience biodiversity. Features catch your attention are bubbling crater, hissing fumaroles and steaming vent. Stroller friendly walk. Surely feels like you are on another planet.

Take a stroll in amazing landscape amongst the steam vents. 45 - 60 minutes. Have lunch on the picnic tables beside the car park.

Awesome craters. Loved the contrast? with green and the craters. Priceless scenery for 10$ ❤️

A long walk but great if you can take your time!! Don't get there an hour before closing if you want to take your time... Can be boring for young people, elderly and less mobile..

We ordered 500g of prawns. Please be aware it is not enough for 2 people, so please order other food as well. Food was good overall and staff were friendly and professional. It was not busy when we visited, but there are plenty of seats to house loads of people.

All the staff members were friendly and attentive, which made our visit even more enjoyable. The prawns were perfectly cooked and practically melted in our mouths. The pita garlic bread was definitely a standout for me, and the salad with its well-balanced dressing was absolutely spot on.

Parts under construction yet enough to keep ine busy. Family did the tour and spoke well of the experience. Did grab a coffee but no food. Coffee was good. Activities were plenty and a good variety. Take the togs with from the start 😀.

Prawns aren't fresh, garlic and butter Prawns has a weird taste. Hot chips really good. We didn't get water for our table, used to go here a faws time and service really good but not the same

Was skeptical about the prawns, oh how wrong I was.... They were cooked to perfection, half cooked with garlic butter OMG. Staff super friendly place is super clean and tidy. Clean toilets 👌

Ordered the 110, 1kg platter. Close to 40 percent of the prawns were soggy and not firm. A sign of not the freshest specimen. The prawn fishing were great years ago, now operating in their breeding pond shed. Handful of prawns in each pool. Hardly anyone caught any while we were there . Compare to before its now steps backwards. For the price they charge for the experience, Its a rip off.

Service is excellent. This restaurant is set by the river side and have a good view. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. There is a photo spot as well as a hot foot bath. The waiter had a bright smile and was friendly. Will come round to check on our dining experience and ask how he could make it better. The prawns were fresh and juicy. The garlic butter was great! The prawns here have a large head and small body so the meaty portion can be small. We love the garlic pita bread! The prawn bisque is rich, creamy and prawny. Fish and chips were fried crisp and light. The batter is not too thick so you can taste the sweetness of the fish. The brownie is very rich. The chocolate explosion cake is spongy and moist. It’s a pity that it lacks the chocolaty taste. Else the paring is great! Since the food, ambience and service are all great! I would highly recommend this place!

We filmed the rapid from both ends then spliced it together. It was a great sight to see the dam release. Hope you enjoy it.

These are an area of New Zealand river rapids downstream from the dam for the Aratiatia Power Station on the Waikato River. The rapids are extremely dangerous. With the station in operation, several times a day, the Aratiatia dam gates are opened, which restores the rapids to their normal operation. There are several lookout points to observe the rapids which is a popular tourist attraction. Advisable to go early to avoid crowds and the heat as well. Uneven terrain, lot of walking. Toilets available. Cafe available. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Beautiful place. Lots to see. Parking space is that easy to find in parking area.

A piece of advice: Show up early. The bridge and the view points can get very busy and, although it wasn't true during my visit, I can only assume parking can also be difficult during the peak tourist season. With that said, this is a great stop on the way to any number of other sites or activities in the area and it's pretty amazing to witness the landscape change once the doors are opened.

So this was pretty cool and interesting. It was also rated the number one thing to do in Taupo on a few websites which I'm not sure is really the case though! Regardless, a fun, free activity to do and worth checking out if you are in the area. But definitely not the number one thing to do in Taupo nor anything that I'd go out of your way to see if it doesn't work in with your itinerary! There had been pretty heavy rainfall so we were surprised to find that we got a double release. We initially headed for the mid viewing point and watched from there. On our way back to our car we heard the sirens again and were able to watch a second release from the bridge. We found this attraction a bit more difficult to find than expected. You need to park your car and walk ACROSS the road from where google maps takes you. Then you have the choice of various viewing points.

“Aratiatia Rapids... When the Dam Says Unleash the Beast!" This was next level.. After Huka Falls I pulled up here,and let me tell you,watching the dam open is like seeing Mother Nature flip the “Turbo Boost” button 🤯 Timing is everything,winter shows at 10am,12pm,2pm… summer flexes with an extra at 4pm.. Don’t be late or you’ll just be staring at a dry river like “huh?” 😂. Arrive 5–10 mins early to snag a park and a decent spot,cause once it’s full,you’ll be stuck at the back trying to see through someone’s uncle’s hat. Then BOOM 💥.... Three sirens,gate opens,and suddenly that empty river becomes a raging icy blue beast in seconds... It’s stunning,but also makes you think what if the dam broke? (me: 👀 “yep, I’m moving to higher ground real quick”). Upper deck,lower deck both views slap... Not heaps of parking tho,so plan smart... Definitely an experience every first timer should tick off... And best part? It’s close to Lake Taupo. Verdict: 10/10 Nature’s version of a YouTube “before & after” transformation. 💦🔥 “Logan was here… survived the sirens and the splash zone.” 🌊😅

A fantastic morning watching the release of the the gates to let some water out and down the rapids and rocks They release it 3 times a day. It’s such a sight to see and the water is so green.a car park and this is also where you can go jet boating and dam cruise. A must see. It’s free to watch the release and alarms go off.

It's not really a natural wonder it's actually the runout after a dam. We were lucky enough to catch them opening this. If you are on your way on a scenic drive, it's worth the 15 minute stop.

Amazing place! This is the only geothermal park where dogs are allowed (on a leash only). It is a self-guided walk that is approximately 2 km, accessible via a short 2-minute boat trip. The price is very fair.

A well structured board walk experience after a small boat ride to the geo-thermal area across a small water area. The majority of the walk is on formed timber walkways and has handrails in place. There are also a couple of areas on small sections of earth walkways. Total walk time is about 90 mins. All of our group (3 family members) were happy we attended. Staff on-site were very friendly and helpful.

This was such a cool stop. We had already been to some geothermal areas so I wasnt sure how different this would be. It was stunning! The trails were lovely and an easy walk. You can go at your own pace. The boat takes you to and from the island on demand. We left and were picked up within minutes. Bring water because it is warmer than youd think walking around the trails, even on a cooler day. I heard about this place on the radio and Im so glad we added it to our drive.

We loved this. It's a journey somewhat. Once you park you can buy a ticket and then immediately proceed to the boat landing. This will take you across a very small lake to the walkway. The paths are very well kept. The geological items consist of mud pits, geysers, boiling water, flows, and quite a bit of foliage. Highly recommend, a full loop will take something like 90 to 120 minutes if you go slow, it's not super huge.

There are a few natural sites in New Zealand that will totally amaze you and ask yourself why travel abroad when we have these at our doorstep! Totally amazing! 634 steps around one of the wonder's of New Zealand from hot water coming out of the ground to boiling mud pools elephant shaped rock to an impressive cave! I also loved the boat ride over the waikato river to get there!. Massive friendly guide to speak.

A truly stunning and unique place! Beautifully set up with wooden walkways that guide you through fascinating volcanic activity — bubbling mud pools, steaming sulphur baths, colorful mineral deposits, and even small glaciers. The whole area feels alive with color and energy. The experience starts with a short boat ride across the lake — the only way to reach the park. It’s such a special way to begin the visit, and we were the only ones on the boat, which made it feel even more peaceful and exclusive. Once you’ve bought your ticket, you can take the boat across at your own pace. When you’re done exploring, just ring the bell on the other side, and the boat comes to pick you up again. The walk itself takes about 1.5 hours and is easy to follow, but the best part is how quiet it is. We saw maybe 20 people in total and spent most of the time completely on our own. A magical and unforgettable experience — highly recommended!

Absolutely incredible place that simply begs to be visited in New Zealand. Here, geothermal fields and mountains feel like nature’s own spells — impossible to forget and impossible to resist. Bubbling mud pools wink at you playfully, warm rivers glide past like silky ribbons, and the quiet caves wrap you in an embrace so gentle and deep that a part of you happily stays there forever. ❤️

This place was a fun and unique experience! We did the 45-minute hike, which was manageable and enjoyable. Just be aware of the strong sulfur smell coming from the volcano—it’s quite pungent and smells like rotten eggs. I recommend bringing a mask or face covering to help with the odor. The volcanic smoke was fascinating to see, and the bright yellow color of the rocks from the sulfur made the landscape feel almost otherworldly. Definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for something different!

A fantastic place you’ll never forget once you’ve been. I walked the longest path along geothermal fields, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls — and it was an absolutely breathtaking experience. The colors shift like in a fairy tale, warmth gives way to a cool breeze, and at some point you stop understanding whether this is real or a dream gifted to us by nature itself! ❤️

Nice thermal fields with good paths. The short loop shows you all the highlights and can be covered in an hour and a half. There are colorful pools and lots of steam craters. Price is a bit high at 50 NZD. Big tour groups come here but they pass by quick.

Amazing, beautiful place and if you go you should definitely try to time it so you can see the Lady Knox geyser at 10:15 each morning. The team working this venue were all very very friendly. I’m sure anyone who’s seen Yellowstone in the US may not be too impressed but I haven’t seen Yellowstone and I was very impressed by this place. Apparently the largest caldera in southern hemisphere.

An intriguing experience, was a little disappointed with our early walks, as there seemed to be limited water in some of the pools and the colours were very dull. As the sun came out later, and nearing the end, the colours were spectacular. Some of the walks were quite challenging but achievable and worth the effort to do them all.

We started our visit to the park with the Lady Knox Geyser experience. Although it was extremely crowded — to the point where it was difficult to walk — it was still wonderful to watch the geyser eruption accompanied by the Māori song performed by the local guide. We really enjoyed the rest of the park as well; discovering the geothermal history of this part of the planet was incredibly interesting. The staff were very kind and welcoming. We recommend visiting early in the morning, as it fills up quickly with tourists.

Very nice place with lots of color! I felt the colors were way more impressive on some hikes (eg tongariro alpine crossing), but it does represent a great option to see some geothermal colors and formations!

Well, it was nice to see but it was definitely nothing too special; it's a man-made phenomenon that requires the personnel to activate the geyser and the eruption only lasts for a minute or two. Whilst it's a decent place to visit if you happen to be there at 1015am, it's definitely not worth making an early trip to wait for it

It's about a half hour from Rotorua. It's free and quite a memorable experience. We were wondering how the geyser follows a perfect schedule of 10:15. If you see the video below you'll see it's because they add soap to the geyser. The whole thing lasts about 3 minutes. The staff are very entertaining. Their song is very beautiful. Worth watching if you're in Rotorua.

Our guide who presented the geyser was very interactive. Sang wonderfully and really added to the experience. Unfortunately as it was quite a cold day the geyser produced a lot of steam obscuring the view. I'd recommend visiting on a warm day if able!

Beautiful experience with plenty of seating and parking. We bought tickets but no one seemed to check them? The geyser goes off at 10:15am every day because they induce it with adding soap to the opening. A lady who is the granddaughter of the Maori chief sang a song whilst it erupted and provided a wealth of information on the history of the area. I highly recommend this for everyone if they come to Rotarua.

The geyser was a pretty good experience and the song was amazing from the wahine who sang while the geyser erupted. The best part was seeing all the volcanic lakes a pools, do not miss this.

The show starts at 10.15am and they advise to arrive by 9.45am, which we did. We were advised to drive back up the road to the Lady Knox Geyser for the show first then come back to the main entrance for Wai-O-Tapu and purchase tickets afterwards. The benches can be wet when it's cold. The show lasts around 10 mins.

A fun, quick show. Be sure to get there early, it got fairly crowded for us.

Beautiful spot. Amazing thermal pools with adjoining campground. Daily charge includes access to pools - multiple times if desired.

We visited several hot pools on our trek North and Waikite Valley was the hottest and the most "natural" in it's relationship to the environment. A very pleasant stay and a bargain at $79 for a powered site and all the hot soaks you could wish for

An absolute must place to visit, lovely hot pools and a variety of temperatures. Another must is to walk up the track, 10 minutes to see the source of the boiling water 98 degrees.

I’ve been here several times and usually had good experiences, but today was really disappointing. The water was really dirty and disgusting, and although the staff kept checking the temperature, they never seemed to notice or address the cleanliness. On top of that, a group of people were speaking loudly and being disruptive the whole time, yet no staff member stepped in to manage it. Compared to another famous hot pool, which often has even more travelers and even large tour groups, the water there is always ok, and staff will remind guests to keep noise down if needed. This pool itself is good, but the management has some serious issues to improve. Also, there are only two shower rooms in the ladies’ area, which means you often have to wait outside. That’s really inconvenient and wired design.

Breathtaking atmosphere and warm spring water, what more could you want.. event though It was a rainy day on a weekday, there were still quite a few people came 11am onwards. Lockers are easy to use, and the cafe seemed nice. Will be back for sure 😊

Our family had a wonderful experience at Waikite Valleh Hot Pools! The staff were nice and it was not crowded on a Tuesday in mid-March. There are 4 pools and 2 tubs along with a nice 5-10 min trail to the hot spring source. There is free parking at the car park too.

Absolutely loved it! Waikite Valley Hot Pools is way better than the ones in Rotorua city centre — more peaceful, surrounded by beautiful nature, and much more affordable. Highly recommended!

A must-see experience! A beautiful walk through nature’s wonders — from emerald green to sky-blue pools, steaming geysers, and bubbling hot water you can actually feel beside the path. The smell of sulfur is strong, but it’s all part of the incredible experience. Absolutely worth it!

Lucky for beautiful spring weather and early morning small crowd. Lovely moderate hike down to the boat dock with multiple documented view points of the steaming vents and springs in the valley along the way. Peaceful yet awesome views of what the 1883 eruptions did to the original valley and lakes and the vegetation that repopulated the valley. Ryan gave us a great commentary and boat viewing tour of the crater lake and its steaming vents - a must do to add to the hike. Bus options for those not up to the full hike.

It was an absolutely amazing experience. The walk with multiple viewing points and their relevance and history was brilliant to learn. The boat ride was so informative and a delightful experience. Staff were supportive, informative, and helpful.

Fascinating and beautiful. Well organised. Great staff. Do all 3 walks (only about a relatively easy 3.6k) and the boat trip to complete the experience with a close up view of a geyser in action. A fabulous half day. Don't miss it.

The lake cruise is so worth it! Absolutely stunning being out on the water. The walk to the lake was also amazing - stunning landscapes and scenery all throughout.

Really interesting site. Walking involved...but not strenuous. There are 3 trails to walk...choose one to your abilities.

Fascinating walk down the volcanic valley. The guide had a great overview of the area and the history and pointed out the different fauna and flora as well as the details of the volcano and its history. The return journey was by bus which was great as it would have been a steep climb back to the visitor centre.

Te Puia is an absolutely stunning and fascinating place — the geothermal landscape, the geysers, and the deep Māori heritage make it truly unique and worth visiting. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and the cultural spirit of the place is unmistakable. However, the guided tour was quite disappointing. It felt overly long and slow-paced — 90 minutes, with at least half of that time spent standing around without much happening. While I fully understand that the tour is an important source of income for the Māori community, visitors also value their time and expect an engaging, well-structured experience. Several people in our group clearly lost interest, which is unfortunate because Te Puia has so much to offer. Suggested improvements: • Shorten the tour to 45–60 minutes, focusing on the most interesting and meaningful parts. • Add more interactive or live elements — demonstrations, Q&A sessions, brief performances, or moments for guests to engage directly. • Consider offering two options: a standard tour and a premium cultural experience, so guests can choose the depth they want. • Train guides to keep the storytelling dynamic, with more energy and interaction. The place itself is extraordinary — it just deserves a tour program that matches its beauty and cultural significance. With a few thoughtful changes, Te Puia could easily become one of the most memorable experiences in New Zealand.

What an amazing experience! Our tour guide Hunter was fantastic and shared loads of interesting information about his people and culture. It was so good to see the arts institute and the people keeping Maori culture alive. The geysers also put on a spectacular show for us, going off multiple times while we were there. We also got to see some Kiwis for the first time! Then in the evening, the buffet was great, especially the Hangi cooked food! Then the cultural performance at the end was incredible. Well worth the money as we had a blast for several hours! Ka pai!

An absolutely amazing and informative day! As two uk tourists who had never been to a geothermal area, and had only been in NZ for 3 weeks, this was the perfect place to learn about the geothermal activity in the area and how the people there view it. We did the Tuku Iho trail, which was a perfect length of time, we saw everything and getting to eat the sweetcorn cooked in the hot pool was definitely one of the best parts. Paul our tour guide was so great, obviously very passionate and knowledgeable, chatted with us while we walked between sites, and really clear with his descriptions. It’s quite a lot of walking and not too much stopping (although we stopped by the hot pool while cooking/eating for 30 mins, and you could’ve sat for 15 mins while we watched the geysers), so be aware if walking for most of 3 hours would be too much for you. Overall, an amazing day! Would recommend to anyone wanting to see the geothermal stuff as well as learning from someone who’s connected to the area. The park itself is great, lots of info boards to read. The arts building is definitely worth a visit, it’s interesting to learn how their arts are made and to see the culture being supported with new apprentices all the time. Also a great gift shop if that’s something you like! We saw the geysers errupting and the mud pools bubbling away so can’t complain. Not too busy in the park - end of November when we visited.

A truely wonderful experience and a must for visitors to not only Rotorua but to New Zealand and the magnificent islands. The beauty is how New Zealand has embraced the Māori culture and rich history. This experience includes everything from traditional dancing show to seeing the springs to a lovely buffet dinner. The attraction is only a 5 minute drive from town centre so is easy to reach, but make sure you book tickets in advance! Enjoy

This is a must do if you visit Rotorua. From understanding Māori traditions, craft education, geothermal geysers, and kiwi conservation through to a fantastic cultural experience with song, dance and a haka. And yes if you are lucky you will get to see one of the kiwi birds in their nocturnal house. Our guide Ngahuia was excellent and was passionate about telling her tribe and ancestors story. A fantastic couple of hours. Highly recommend a visit and make sure you book tickets in advance and ones that include the cultural performances. Afterwards we visited the Pataki Kai cafe for a panini and drinks. Nice end to the visit.

This experience was fantastic. We did the Te Po combo. The guided tour through the school was so much more than I thought it would be. I learned a lot and I love the idea behind the school. Its such a lovely concept. The dinner was also great. I wasnt expecting much but the food options were plentiful and everything was so delicious. Cultural performance was stunning and fun and beautiful all at the same time. Seeing the geyser at night was beautiful. So peaceful and pretty. I highly recommend doing this option and taking in all the culture and history. Everyone who works at Te Puia is very passionate about their Mouri heritage. Thank you

This was an excellent 2-hour combo experience, which consisted of 3 parts: Māori arts and craft (with an introduction to the different schools and art forms), the valley of the geysers, and the dance performance. We also got to see a kiwi! It was well paced. Informative. The show was spectacular and we had wonderful views of the geysers. Also, the shop had the best NZ souvenir selection we saw in New Zealand.

What a wonderful place hidden away in a beautiful setting. Patting the lion cubs was truly memorable and watching the lions being feed was real entertainment for us all. This kids loved every minute and they really enjoyed getting to feed the kea and watching them so closely. Highly recommended for families.

Lovely place to take kids. They had a free wheelchair so I could also enjoy. Animals were lovely and great to be able to feed and pet. Definitely needs directions to get there. Plenty of parking. Not to busy when we went on Saturday

I’ve been to quite a few attractions like this and it’s the best one so far. The park is big and full of different kinds of animals. It’s also very clean and well planned out. Not gonna lie, I thought it was quite expensive. However, I found it worth it as I was exploring the place. You can tell the animals are all well taken care of. It’s a nice day activity for all different ages. It’s cool we get to feed the animals for $2! It was cool getting the chance to pet the lion cubs! Definitely worth queuing for. My favourite one is the donkey, he’s definitely a photogenic one.

A beautiful natural wildlife park with plenty of animals to keep you entertained, especially ducks! You can feed some of the animals and if you arrive at certain times you may get to pat the Lion cubs. We were in and out within the hour, but you could spend a whole day here, great for children and adults alike!

First time visiting here. Not too busy even on a school holiday. There was a long line to pat the lion cubs. Awesome experience for the kids. They also sell feeds for the ducks, trouts and other animals. Very interactive and not too complicated. We all enjoyed the experience.

Wow this place is truly special. We took our toddler and he had a blast running around after the ducks (which are everywhere). Personally I loved the treetops walk and the feeling of being amongst nature. A bit weird to see lions in NZ and I did not need the experience of patting their cubs. Doesn’t sound very ethical but I’m not a zookeeper

Kids will love it, suggest you to check lion feeding time and wait for it. Usually it is 2:30pm in afternoon not sure for morning.Easily accessible for wheelchair or strollers . Easily spend 2 hours there.